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US tensions with China, Russia rise

Friday, 04 January 2019 10:11 AM [ Last Update: Saturday, 05 January 2019 4:12 AM ]

Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan (R) listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House on January 2, 2019, in Washington. (Photo by AP)

China has warned that it is not afraid to protect itself when necessary as tensions with the United States continue unabated.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Beijing will prioritize developing cooperation between its armed forces and those of other countries.

“Also — looking at the bigger picture for our countries — if what we mutually seek is a partner, then we will likely get a partner. But if what we seek is an adversary, then we will certainly get an adversary,” Lu said on Thursday.

His remarks came after acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan said his top priority is to counter China.

Shanahan said he’s committed to carrying out President Donald Trump’s vision at the Pentagon, which includes protecting Taiwan and the South China Sea from what he called Chinese military aggression.

China Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, hit out at a travel warning issued by the US, saying it does not stand. Washington on Thursday warned Americans to “exercise increased caution” when traveling to China and “exercise increased caution due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws.”

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu said Beijing always welcomes foreigners, including Americans, but expects them to respect and abide by Chinese law.

“The US has used various excuses to place obstacles for Chinese citizens entering the US, and conduct checks with no reason. This is a problem America should attend to and rectify. We also hope that the US can do more to promote mutual exchange and trust between the people, not the opposite,” Lu told a news briefing in Beijing on Friday.

PressTV-US issues warning to Americans traveling to China

US State Department warns Americans traveling in China to use 'increased caution' during their trip.

Former US marine charged with espionage in Russia

In the meantime, diplomatic tensions continue to rise between the US and Russia, which has charged a former US Marine with espionage.

This is an undated photo of Paul Whelan in Iceland, provided by his family. (via AFP)

Russia’s FSB state security service arrested Paul Whelan in Moscow on suspicion of carrying out an act of espionage late last month.

Later, the Russian authorities brought formal espionage charges against him on Thursday, said Interfax news agency, citing an informed source.

If convicted, Whelan could face sentences of between 10 and 20 years in prison.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo demanded explanation over the arrest on Thursday.

Relations between Moscow and Washington have already been tense over several issues, including the Ukrainian crisis, the foreign-sponsored war in Syria and the allegations of Russian interference in the US presidential poll in 2016.

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